“High rail” can refer to different types of railway tracks and equipment, including high-speed rail for passenger transport, elevated tracks for limited space, and a specific type of model railway. “Hi-rail” refers to railway equipment that can work on both highway and railroad tracks.
The term “high rail” is used in several different ways in railway contexts in reference to several different styles of railway track and equipment. Furthermore, it refers to a specific type of model railway. The type of high rail under discussion is usually clear from the context.
Some people use this term to refer to high-speed rail. The high-speed railway, used mainly for the transport of passengers, runs on specific tracks that allow the trains to reach very high speeds. High-speed rail systems can be seen operating in various nations around the world, and in many regions they are extremely popular for both public transport and tourists. These high-speed trains can get people between locations in a fraction of the time it would take a car to travel the same distance, and are better suited for traveling relatively short distances than airplanes.
People may also refer to raised rail as high rail. Some railway authorities use elevated track to create dedicated tracks when limited space is available. By running the trains on the highway, operators can run the trains without having to stop for traffic. A classic example of this type of high rail is Chicago’s L or El rapid transit system.
In the world of model railways, high rail or high railing is an approach that involves the use of equipment from manufacturers who have a history of not being to scale. High rail is often associated with Lionel products, which classically had tracks that were higher than they needed to be for the scale to be accurate. High railers, or hirailers, as they are also known, have a variety of approaches to their work, with some aiming for a high level of detail and realism, while others simply enjoy running model trains, with less attention to detail. High railway enthusiasts will also argue vigorously about what exactly “high railway” is.
The related term hi-rail or hirail used on large-scale railways should not be confused with hirailing. “Hi-rail” refers to railway equipment that can work on both highway and railroad tracks. This type of equipment is often used for track maintenance and inspections as it is very flexible allowing operators to use it in a variety of ways. Some amateur train enthusiasts also maintain high-speed equipment and may be allowed to ride the railroad tracks by special arrangement with the railroad, usually in a group with other enthusiasts.
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